In 2020, I hit a low point with only $183 left in my Binance account. I’d started with $3,000, seen it soar to over $100,000, only to watch it crumble. Crypto trading is relentless, and every mistake, every impulsive trade, cut deeper. But through the turmoil, I kept up one simple habit that may have saved me: transferring $1 every day into a separate fund. Even as my trading capital dwindled, that daily transfer became my anchor. Four years later, it's become second nature—now I transfer $5 each day.
The Rock Bottom
Back then, life outside of trading wasn’t any easier. Friends grew distant, and home felt like a lonely echo chamber. Just when I thought I’d reached rock bottom, my girlfriend left, taking one of my phones that had crypto stored on it. I doubted she’d access it—she mostly used it for games. Losing her stung more than losing my capital; she left me not just broke but alone. In 2020, while I was in Shanghai waiting on a visa, the world felt like it was on pause. The embassy was slow, the lockdowns relentless. With life at a standstill, I needed an escape.
I went to Lingyan Mountain, to a Buddhist temple that offered the kind of quiet I was desperate for.
The Months at the Temple
I spent three months at that temple. It wasn’t the enlightening experience I’d imagined. Life there was about discipline, endurance, and silence—no revelations, no shortcuts to inner peace. The monks welcomed me without words, their simple meals and daily routines filling the days. Gradually, my body felt stronger, the constant tremors in my hands lessened, and my dependence on smoking and drinking faded. Without the endless buzz of my phone, my mind became quieter.
When I left, I had $183 and a cryptic parting message from a senior monk: “Go as you came.” I didn’t understand it then, but those words stayed with me. I realized that change wouldn’t come from one transformative moment. It was about having the strength to face life as it is, one day at a time.
Rebuilding with $183: My New Approach
With that mindset, I redownloaded Binance and decided to give trading another shot, this time with a plan that balanced resilience and realism. Here’s how I rebuilt, step-by-step.
1. Focus on a Core Group of Cryptocurrencies
Instead of chasing every hyped coin, I focused on a handful: BTC, ETH, BNB, SOL, and DOGE. Over time, I narrowed it down further, until now I primarily trade BTC and ETH. This focused approach allowed me to understand these assets deeply, pick up on patterns, and make better decisions. Chasing too many coins had only added confusion and led to mistakes.
2. Build a Strict Daily Routine
My days begin at 6:30 AM with a cold shower, followed by exercise. Winter mornings made those cold showers especially tough, but they became essential for mental clarity and discipline. This morning ritual sharpened my focus before I even sat down to trade.
3. Begin Each Day Outside
Trading at home clouded my mind with distractions, so I started my day by leaving the house. Usually, I’d head to KFC for a coffee, marking the transition into my trading “workspace.” By not trading at home, I set clear boundaries, treating trading as a structured job rather than a constant temptation. This habit helped prevent impulsive trades,the past. With this structured separation, I approached trading with a clear mind, making each decision with discipline instead of emotion.
4. Low Leverage and Long-Term Positions
The allure of high-leverage trades had burned me before, so I switched to low-leverage long positions, focusing on gradual growth rather than high-risk gains. My goal was to take advantage of trends over time, keeping my positions steady and letting my profits run instead of closing them prematurely. For instance, I began shorting cautiously as BTC neared $71,000, setting incremental stop-losses to protect my gains. Avoiding the impulse to constantly “trade the news” allowed me to stick to my plan and avoid the volatility that had often wiped me out before.
5. Implement Rigorous Risk Management and Hedge with Options
One of my most valuable lessons was integrating risk management through hedging. If I anticipated a trend reversal near resistance, I’d open a hedge with options, allowing for flexibility without overexposing myself. When price action aligned with my predictions, I’d let my hedges run, often raising my take-profit gradually. This approach, coupled with occasional short-term trades (“T” trades) for quick profits, became a pillar of my strategy. For new traders, I wouldn’t recommend this until you deeply understand market dynamics—it’s high risk without that insight.
6. Take Regular “Cooling-Off” Breaks
Every big market cycle took a toll on my mental stamina. To avoid making impulsive decisions during emotional highs or lows, I started taking half-month breaks after significant market movements. During these breaks, I’d switch to a phone without trading apps, completely disconnecting from the markets. This cooling-off period gave me a refreshed perspective, helping me approach each new cycle with a level head. I realized that big wins can distort your judgment just as much as losses, and these breaks kept me grounded.
7. Maintain Daily Transfers and Structured Withdrawals
The habit of transferring money into my fund account each day became a financial and psychological anchor. Initially, it was $1, then $5 as I progressed. Additionally, I established a rule to withdraw 20% of profits to invest in spot market positions. This not only diversified my holdings but also allowed me to build a long-term spot portfolio. While some spot trades ended at a loss, others grew multiple times over. I’d set multiple take-profit orders (2x, 3x, 4x, and 5x) for these positions, only selling if they hit a stop-loss. Even in drawdowns, I held my positions patiently, keeping my eye on the bigger picture.
Looking Back: Rebuilding a Life with Patience and Discipline
Reflecting on these four years, I see how far I’ve come not just financially but emotionally. My spot holdings now account for around 40% of my total profits, with the majority coming from disciplined trading contracts. For anyone with only $100 or $200 left, here’s my advice: step back, refine your mindset, and build a solid, structured system. Focus on small, consistent growth instead of chasing quick wins.
Patience, discipline, and self-control matter more than any “hot strategy.” Climbing back from $183 took years of building habits, managing risk, and following a structured plan. But now I know that, even with a small sum, it’s possible to rebuild and grow. It’s not an easy path, but if you’re willing to commit, the long-term approach can lead to something significant.
This journey taught me that resilience is everything. I’ve seen the highs, endured the lows, and emerged with a renewed perspective. It wasn’t just about making a financial comeback—it was about learning to navigate life with patience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to growth, one dollar at a time.
